Leicester City needed a healthy squad refresh to improve. In absence of that, here is our fantasy XI given an ideal closing to the transfer window.
The King Power club has so much promise heading into the transfer market. All they needed to do was sell some deadwood, sell an integral player, and bring in renewed energy to the side. Brendan Rodgers wanted this desperately.
However, this did not happen and there is little time remaining the in the window. That being said, with some time left, let us be a bit fanciful and select our ideal starting XI given a better end to the window.
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Leicester City’s ideal window
There are four underlying currents Rodgers needs to pay attention to. In midfield, Youri Tielemans remains a potential exit should Arsenal decide to make a late bid to strengthen. Further, Boubakary Soumare could be exiting to either AS Monaco or OG Nice.
The possible moves for Wesley Fofana and Jannik Vestergaard are also interesting in the final couple of weeks. The Danish giant rejected a move to Fulham recently as he would like to fight for his space, but may still be asked to leave soon to make space for new signings.
‘Little Wes’ to Chelsea is looking less certain than it was, as the defender is a little worried imperfect Premier League displays and a high asking price could risk Chelsea walking away from talks. Such a deal would earn a lot of money, but weaken the Foxes.
There are still gaps in the squad, yet we have too many senior players, and a couple on very high wages despite a lack of gametime (such as Ayoze Perez and ‘Bouba’). Leicester could do with selling three and signing a right-winger, a midfielder, and a centre-back. A new No. 1 would also be great. Again, selecting the option directly underneath this paragraph will take you to the final page of this piece.
Our fantasy starting XI
I shall be selecting a 4-3-3 in the archetypical ‘Rodgersball’ tactics which have long since been abandoned due to injuries and poor performances. Hopefully, the King Power club should see a return to these tactics soon.
Realistically, Danny Ward starts in goal, although after two up and down performances, I might be tempted to let Alex Smithies have a go. This being said, it would be preferable for the Foxes to sell one Ward and Daniel Iversen, and sign a new No. 1. I would go for Alban Lafont if still possible.
At the back, James Justin, Jonny Evans, Wesley Fofana, and Timothy Castagne form the back row. Although, the side should look at bringing in a defender such as Benoît Badiashile 0r Jean-Clair Todibo should Soumare be included in swap deals for either.
In midfield, Hamza Choudhury has gone out on loan, Soumare could be leaving, and hopefully the wages of ‘Starman’ Youri Tielemans should be off the bill. Wilfred Ndidi, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, and James Maddison would be our midfield. Plus, players such as Rolando Mandragora, Eliot Matazo, or Samuele Ricci could challenge Ndidi and KDH for a spot.
Up front, Patson Daka should be our starting No. 9 from now on. Jamie Vardy should be conserved for the big matches. On the left, Harvey Barnes remains steadfast, but on the right we need to sign a player. From Callum Hudson-Odoi and Noni Madueke, to Timothy Weah or even the Belgian Dodi Lukebakio.
Realistic fantasy XI: Lafont, Justin, Todibo, Fofana, Castagne, Ndidi, ‘KDH’, ‘Madders’, Barnes, Daka, and Lukebakio. I would prefer Madueke on the right, or ‘CHO’ should he be included in a Fofana swap deal. If Tielemans remains, then he is in the starting XI for sure. If Fofana leaves, Caglar Soyuncu should start.